Hot Tubs and Private Swimming Pools

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Development and building permits may be required for structures such as ornamental ponds, hot tubs or private swimming pools.*

*Private swimming pool means a swimming pool that is constructed for use by only the owners and their guests or tenants of the main home or associated secondary (for example basement) suite. A public swimming pool for community use requires a commercial permit.

Before You Apply

Do I need a permit?

Development permits are required for:

Any structure that contains a large volume of water (at minimum 0.378 cubic metres) that is located within the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay.
- This could include: swimming pools, skating rinks, ornamental ponds, hot tubs, whirlpools or spas.
Any structure listed above that is located within a front yard of a residential zone.

Building permits are required for:

Hot tub
Private swimming pool

Permits are not required for:

Structures less than 2.0 metres in height or that have a total volume of less than 0.378 cubic metres.
Fish ponds or other architectural or landscaping features where water level does not exceed a depth of 600 millimetres (24 inches) or a volume of 0.378 cubic metres.
Temporary wading pools holding up to 600 millimetres (24 inches) of water that are emptied after every use.

Trades Permits

Separate permits are required for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical work associated with your structure. Please see the application requirements section in Step 1.

Additional Permits

Other permits may be required for pool houses, retaining walls, decks that support a hot tub or other structures associated with your project. Please see the information in the Application Requirements section in Step 1.

Are you removing or filling in an existing inground swimming pool?

The removal of an existing inground swimming pool requires a demolition permit. Please see the demolition page for more information.

Who can apply?

Homeowners can apply for home improvement permits or have their contractors apply for the permits on their behalf.
Homeowners must live in their home in order to apply for homeowner heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical trade permits. Otherwise, a certified trade contractor must apply for the permit.
A certified trade contractor is required to apply for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical permits when the homeowner doesn’t live in the home or the home shares a wall with a neighbour (duplex, semi-detached, row townhouse, condominium).
All permits required can be applied for at the same time, but separate inspections will be required for the work associated with each permit.

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

2024 fees effective January 1, 2024

Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Permit Fees

Development Permit Fee (if applicable)	$140
Building Permit Fee	$115
Safety Codes (Trades) Permit Fee	$4.60
Total Permit Fee	$259.60

Review the 2024 residential permit and fees schedule for a full list of associated permit fees.

Payment

There are several ways to make a payment.

Application Processing Times

Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard at selfserve.edmonton.ca.

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements outlined in step 1 below to avoid application processing delays.
Consider hiring a contractor or other professional support to help with the design and construction of your project.
Be mindful of construction safety considerations, such as being aware of and not damaging gas or other utility line locations. CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1-800-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide to help plan for a safe construction site.
Don’t start construction until you receive your approved permits.

Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.

Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.

Permits allow you to begin construction. Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.

Step 1: Plan Your Project and Prepare Documents

Application requirements vary for different types of swimming pools and hot tubs. Review the following sections to guide your application preparation and avoid processing delays.

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Check Zone and Overlay Regulations

If your structure is on a property that is within or bordering the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay, a Development Permit is required. Contact us to speak with a Development Officer to find out specific rules for these properties.

Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property

Enter your property’s address at maps.edmonton.ca
Select Zoning
Enter your address
Note your current zone (RS, RSF)
Note any overlays such as the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay

Check Ground Restrictions

Check the following ground restrictions for planning your hot tub or private swimming pool:

CLICK-Before-You-Dig or DIAL-Before-You-Dig: 1(800)-242-3447 for no-cost utility marking.
An exterior above-ground private swimming pool or hot tub cannot be constructed above a primary gas line without prior written approval of ATCO (call 780-424-5222), and may not be built over any secondary line.
Generally, no structures are permitted to be built in or over a utility right-of-way or easement. Check your construction plot plan, real property report, and mortgage papers, and with your home builder to ensure any restrictions will be observed.
Maintain a minimum 3.5 metres (11½ feet) clearance to electrical wires located above a hot tub or private swimming pool. Contact EPCOR (780-310-4300) with questions concerning clearance from power lines and power pedestals.
Identify all ground characteristics, features, or structures that may impact or be impacted by your work. Review the Project Implementation Plan Guide to help plan your safe construction site.
A private swimming pool or hot tub is to be drained into the sanitary sewer drain, not into the alley or street.

Application Requirements

Definitions

Swimming pool means a structure, basin or tank containing an artificially created pool of water that is used for swimming, recreation, bathing, diving, wading, healing or therapy, religious rituals or other purposes, and includes all buildings, equipment and facilities used in connection with it.

Private swimming pool means a swimming pool that is constructed for use by only the owners and/or their guests or tenants of the main home or associated secondary (basement) suite. A public swimming pool for community use requires a commercial permit.

Whirlpool means a swimming pool, including hot tubs, containing water at a temperature above 30°C that is designed primarily for therapeutic or recreational use and that:

(a) is not drained, cleaned or refilled before use by each individual, and
(b) uses hydrojet circulation or air induction bubbles, or both

Wading pool means a swimming pool that is 60 centimetres (about 24 inches) or less in depth throughout and is used for swimming, bathing, wading, or other similar purposes. Temporary wading pools emptied after every use do not require permits.

Site Plan

The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where a hot tub or private swimming pool will be located on the property.

The site plan must include:

A north arrow
Property address
Corresponding streets and avenues
Location of existing buildings and structures
Location of proposed structure and distances to all property lines
Location and dimensions of any proposed deck for the structure and distance to all property lines
Location of fencing required if the structure does not have a suitable lockable cover
Applicable caveats, covenants, easements

Drawing Tips:

Draw on a real property report, plot plan, or graph paper
Metric or imperial units are accepted. Please use units consistently.

Structure Documents

For hot tubs or whirlpools:

Include hot tub manufacturer’s installation documentation, and include make and model demonstrating CSA or ULC approval

For above-ground manufactured private swimming pool:

Include pre-manufactured above-ground private swimming pool manufacturer’s installation documentation, and include make and model demonstrating CSA or ULC approval
Include details for any platform, deck, ladder, diving board or slide details not included as part of the pool package

For in-ground or custom private swimming pools:

Include the following specifications:
- Details of the swimming pool construction
- Schematics for the swimming pool mechanical system, including line sizes and location of inlets and outlets
- Source of water supply and wastewater disposal
- Swimming pool data including:
  - Swimming pool size and surface area
  - Swimming pool water volume complete with calculations
  - Swimming pool circulation rate
  - Swimming pool turnover rate
  - Filter type, size and model
  - Circulation pump, type, size, model, and flow rate
  - Number of inlets
  - Number of skimmers
  - Number of main drains

Fencing Requirements

For safety and to prevent access by unauthorized persons, an outdoor structure must either be enclosed or have a protective cover.

If the private swimming pool is located in a yard with a perimeter fence or wall that is at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) tall and the only way to access the pool within the enclosed yard is through a gate, building, or similar facility, then there is no requirement for another, separate enclosure around any part of the pool.

Enclosure and gate requirements:

The fence, building wall or enclosure must be a height, measured on the outside, of at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) above the ground level.
Any opening through a fence around an outdoor private swimming pool must be protected by a self-closing, lockable gate that is at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) high, equipped with a self-latching device on the inside of the gate located at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) above the ground level
All horizontal and diagonal components of the fence and any gates around the private swimming pool shall be located on the swimming pool side, with any space between fencing members limited to 10 centimetres (4 inches)
Barbed wire is not permitted to be used on or for a fence or gate around a private swimming pool
No device that could cause an electric current to pass through a fence or gate shall be installed on or adjacent to a fence or gate around the private swimming pool.

Protective cover:

An alternative to constructing the specified enclosure (fence/wall and gate) to restrict unauthorized access to water in a private swimming pool or hot tub is a protective cover.

Have the supplier provide documentation demonstrating the cover meets two specific requirements:

The cover is designed and constructed in conformance with ASTM F1346 (Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs). Typically, the manufacturers of the covers will state the conformance with ASTM F1346 on specification.
The cover is fitted with locking devices, intended to be engaged when not in use.

Trade Permits and Drainage

An electrical permit is required for work on any private swimming pool, hot tub or spa installation.
A gas permit is required to install or modify a gas-fired private swimming pool heater in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, CAN/CSA-B149.1-20.
A plumbing permit is required for the installation of a standpipe or drain for emptying a hot tub or private swimming pool. A garden hose connected to the hot tub drain discharging the water into the basement floor drain does not require a plumbing permit.
Wastewater from a private swimming pool shall be discharged to an existing municipal drainage system. Water must be drained to the house sewer drain, not on the ground, alley, or street.

Additional Permits

In addition to a hot tub and swimming pool permit, other permits may also be required for retaining walls, decks or other structures associated with or supporting your hot tub or private swimming pool.

If a hot tub or pool is installed in or associated with:

A new uncovered deck, please complete the uncovered deck permit
A new accessory building--pool house or gazebo, please complete the garage and accessory building permit
A new addition to an existing house or covered deck, also complete the home addition permit
An existing house or accessory building, also complete the home renovations permit

Step 2: Apply

Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.

For Homeowners

Use the online self-serve wizard to submit an application.

Apply Online

For Contractors and Professionals

Submit an application for your client under your business account.

Drop off or Mail-In

Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:

Home Improvement Permit Application Form
1 copy of all required documents for your project

Step 3: After You Apply

City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.

Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.

Manage Application

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.

Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Manage Application

Please Note: additional charges may apply for revisions.

Permit Revisions Managed Online

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.

Cancellation/Refund Request Form

Replying to a More Information Request

City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.

More Information Requested (MIR) Guide

Step 4: Inspections

Inspection Requirements for Permit Type

Building permit and trade permit inspections are a required part of all residential and commercial construction projects in Edmonton. These inspections allow for proactive and reactive adjustments during construction and help ensure that what is being built is safe and meets minimum code requirements.

Every permit holder is responsible for requesting the required inspections for each stage of project construction. Check SelfServe to book the required inspections for your project.

Each inspection on a project will have an outcome of pass or fail and work is not complete until it passes all required inspections. The final building permit inspection should only be scheduled once all other inspections are complete.

Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.

Learn more about inspections

Please note: When mechanical work like HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas is involved, separate inspections are required.

Need Help?

Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.

For General Questions

Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.

Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)

Contact Us

Edmonton Service Centre

Hours of Operation:
8am - 4:30pm
Monday - Friday (by appointment)

Contact Us Online

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Hot Tubs and Private Swimming Pools

Do I need a permit?

Trades Permits

Additional Permits

Who can apply?

Fees and Processing Times

Permit Fees

Payment

Application Processing Times

Tips and Professional Support

Tips for Planning Your Project

Understand Your Location Restrictions

Application Requirements

Drop off or Mail-In

Making Changes Before Permit is Issued

Making Changes After Permit is Issued

Cancelling a Permit or Application

Replying to a More Information Request

Inspection Requirements for Permit Type

Need Help?

For General Questions

Related Links

CLICK-Before-You-Dig

Alberta Building Code

EPCOR

ATCO

Contact Us

Edmonton Service Centre